You probably use your phone to take photos all the time, but are you getting the most out of the camera that’s always with you? This relaxed and practical smartphone photography class will help you understand your camera, take better photographs and feel more confident capturing the people, places and moments that matter to you.

Whether you’re heading off on your next holiday, photographing family and friends, taking selfies or simply want to improve your everyday photography, you’ll learn how to make better use of camera settings, light and composition to create images you’ll love.

We’ll start by looking at the essential settings and functions of your smartphone camera before heading out on a guided photography walk around Cronulla to put what you’ve learned into practice. We’ll finish over coffee, reviewing and editing some of your images and looking at the best ways to use, share and enjoy your photographs.

No previous photography experience is needed, just bring your smartphone and be ready to see things a little differently.

Course Outline:

One Session:

• Understand the essential photography settings and functions of your smartphone camera
• Learn the fundamentals of composition and why they make such a difference to your photographs
• Understand light and how to use it to your advantage
• Explore techniques for photographing people, places and everyday moments
• Learn practical tips for taking better travel photographs
• Discover how to take better selfies and include yourself in your photographs
• Put your new skills into practice during a guided photography walk around Cronulla
• Learn simple techniques to edit and enhance your photos
• Explore ways to organise, share, print and enjoy your photographs

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the class, you will:

• Feel more confident using your smartphone camera and its key settings
• Understand how composition can transform an everyday photograph
• Learn how to recognise and use natural light and lighting direction
• Know how to use your environment to create more interesting images
• Develop practical skills for photographing your travels — including people, landscapes, architecture, food and the details that help tell the story of a place
• Learn how to take more natural photographs of people and better photographs of yourself
• Know how to make simple adjustments and edits to improve your images
• Discover useful smartphone photography tips, tricks and creative techniques
• Understand some of the best ways to organise, share and enjoy your photographs after you’ve taken them

What to bring:

• Fully charged smartphone
• Portable Power Bank/Portable Charger (if you have one)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Notebook and Pen (or take notes on your phone)
• Money to purchase a drink and snack
• Plenty of available storage on your phone for new photos

Meet the tutor at the entrance to Cronulla train station.

About the Tutor:

Sophie Brown is the founder of Sophie B Photography and has been a professional photographer for more than 17 years. Based in the Sutherland Shire, Sophie works across corporate and event photography, business and personal branding, portraits, travel photography and content creation.

Sophie brings a practical, relaxed approach to teaching photography. Rather than getting caught up in technical jargon, she helps people understand how to use their camera, recognise great light, compose stronger images and notice the photographs happening around them.

Whether you’re photographing a once-in-a-lifetime holiday or the everyday moments closer to home, Sophie will help you get more from the camera that’s always with you.

Follow Sophie B Photography on Facebook and Instagram: @sophiebphotography.au

Visit Sophie B Website

Other Information:

• To ensure resources are ready for you at the start of your course, we ask you ideally enrol at least one week before the course commences.
• All courses need a minimum number of students to run ("we try our hardest to get those") . If your course does not have enough students it will be cancelled before the commencement and you will be informed.